Another quick question. Is the o* incubator to warm ? I was really considering going with it instead of the 20* so I didn't have to worry about what temp I was in
Incubator 40
Incubator 40+2oz
Incubator 20
Other option listed in comments
Another quick question. Is the o* incubator to warm ? I was really considering going with it instead of the 20* so I didn't have to worry about what temp I was in
No discussion there. I agree with you that Climashield is a viable and cheap alternative. I was only disputing the statement that above 20° down has no benefits other then packing smaller. And I always compare all the products available to me. I don't care about who the manufacturer is; if it saves me 4oz, I will go for it, unless it is indecently more expensive or has considerable disadvantages (for me).
I don't think that an underquilt can be too warm, unless you sleep very hot. You always have the option to vent it. However, I would go with an underquilt that covers 90% of your needs. If you only camp below 20° twice a year, I would go with a 20° underquilt and add additional insulation (e.g. Reflectix, a hammock sock, a hot water bottle) in those rare cold nights. You probably will appreciate the lighter weight and lower pack volume during all the other hikes. At least that is how I feel, and I am a super cold sleeper. I was carrying a 10° underquilt on my US trip this summer and there were only 2 or 3 nights when I needed that much insulation (which doesn't mean that temperatures dropped that far). I seriously wished I had taken my 20° underquilt instead.
I say the Hammock Gear incubator 30 *
It's custom but they are all made to order.
Agreed, an overstuffed 30 maybe.
"I wonder if anyone else has an ear so tuned and sharpened as I have, to detect the music, not of the spheres, but of earth, subtleties of major and minor chord that the wind strikes upon the tree branches. Have you ever heard the earth breathe... ?"
- Kate Chopin
Worth every penny.
My Incubator 20 has arrived, and it's perfect. I've completed a few urban hangs now with my full set up, and I am (re)hooked. Review to follow in the Hammock Gear forum.
Any questions or comments, fire off.
Maybe slightly off topic, but I was wondering how the packability of the various down underquilts compares. Seems like getting an underquilt that errors on the side of being too warm only costs a few extra oz of down, so not really a big issue for weight unless one is really counting oz. But how much more space would a 0 degree 3/4 underquilt take up in one's pack compared to a 20 degree underquilt, with everything else being equal?
I can't compare the two, but as far as the fullsize Incubator 20, the non-compression stuff sack that it came in is about 14x10 in., and it stuffs back in there with ease. I know you don't want to store them compressed, but for backpacking purposes I would say you could get it to about half that size in a compression sack.
As far as weight goes, I have a +1 oz. Incubator 20, and when I picked it up in the flat rate shipping box it came in, I couldn't believe it was in there. You're absolutely right that unless you're down to counting grams, erring on the side of 'too warm' is the way to go if that's a concern.
On the flip side, as far as personal experience, I had the Incubator 20 under my hammock in 65-68 degree afternoon weather, just to test the conditions; and while unnecessary for an afternoon hang and nap, with it vented loose it wasn't an issue to have it there.
I haven't had hands on all the different UQs available, just the one I own, but I did a grip of research and read a lot of reviews and opinions. The Incubator 20 materials and construction are second to none. I am very pleased, and as light as it is, I was glad in my decision to go with the full size instead of a 3/4.
Between my 20° and 40°, it really doesn't seem to take up more space. It just takes more effort to pack the 20° down to the same size. But I guess I could always put more effort into packing the 40° into a tiny space...but I never really try too hard.
And I definitely don't notice the extra ~5oz.
My biggest thing is not going overboard given the weather. I could probably vent a 20° when it's 52° at night, but when it's muggy, calm and I feel dirty and sweaty, the last thing I want to do is mess with venting and have that warmth radiate from a quilt that keeps me warm at 10°!
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